15.3 Education and the Bureau of Indian Education

Education for Native Americans has faced challenges and changes. The Bureau of Indian Education runs schools on reservations, but tribes can now operate their own schools too. This shift aims to preserve Native cultures and languages in education.

Funding issues persist in Native education, with many schools lacking resources. Programs like Impact Aid help, but gaps remain. Efforts to boost Native student achievement and keep teachers on reservations continue, with mixed results so far.

Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and Legislation

Federal Agencies and Acts Supporting Indian Education

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• Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) operates a system of schools serving Native American students on reservations
• Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (1975) allowed tribes to contract with the BIE to operate their own schools
• Indian Education Act (1972) established the Office of Indian Education and provided funding for programs to meet the unique needs of Native American students
• No Child Left Behind Act (2001) impact included increased testing and accountability measures in BIE schools
• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (2015) replaced No Child Left Behind and gave tribes more flexibility in setting their own educational standards

Tribal Control and Cultural Preservation

Tribal Autonomy in Education

• Tribal control of schools has increased since the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, allowing tribes to operate schools that reflect their cultural values and traditions
• Native American Languages Act (1990) recognized the right of Native Americans to use their traditional languages in education and provided funding for language preservation programs
• Cultural preservation in education is a priority for many tribes, with schools incorporating traditional knowledge, arts, and practices into the curriculum (Native language classes, traditional storytelling)

Higher Education Opportunities for Native Students

• Tribal colleges and universities provide culturally relevant higher education opportunities for Native American students
• There are currently 37 tribal colleges and universities in the United States, most of which are located on or near reservations
• Tribal colleges offer associate's and bachelor's degrees in a variety of fields, as well as vocational and technical training programs

Funding and Support Programs

Federal Funding for Indian Education

• Johnson-O'Malley Act (1934) provides supplemental funding for Indian education programs in public schools serving Native American students
• Impact Aid program provides funding to school districts with large numbers of students living on federal lands, including reservations
• Funding challenges persist, with many BIE schools and tribal colleges operating with limited resources and inadequate facilities (outdated textbooks, lack of technology)

Supplemental Programs and Services

• BIE schools and tribal colleges often provide additional support services for students, such as tutoring, counseling, and cultural enrichment programs
• These programs aim to address the unique needs of Native American students and promote academic success
• However, funding limitations can make it difficult for schools to provide comprehensive support services

Challenges in Indian Education

Academic Achievement and Teacher Retention

• Achievement gap between Native American students and their non-Native peers remains significant, with lower graduation rates and test scores among Native students
• Teacher recruitment and retention is a challenge in many BIE schools and tribal colleges, with high turnover rates and difficulty attracting qualified teachers to remote reservations
• Factors contributing to teacher turnover include inadequate housing, limited resources, and cultural differences between teachers and students

Addressing Disparities and Promoting Success

• Efforts to close the achievement gap include increased funding, culturally responsive teaching practices, and partnerships between tribes and school districts
• Strategies for improving teacher retention include providing professional development opportunities, offering incentives for teachers who commit to serving in Native communities, and recruiting more Native American teachers
• Partnerships between BIE schools, tribal colleges, and mainstream universities can help create pathways for Native students to pursue higher education and return to their communities as educators and leaders